EMERGING AND RE-EMMERGING DOENÇAS IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Emerging and re-emerging diseases pose a significant challenge to public health, especially in the Brazilian context, marked by social inequalities, climatic diversity, and widespread population movement. Emerging diseases refer to those that have recently emerged or show a significant increase in incidence, while re-emerging diseases correspond to previously controlled conditions that once again pose a risk to the population. In Brazil, factors such as disordered urbanization, environmental changes, weaknesses in basic sanitation, and difficulties in accessing health services contribute to the persistence and worsening of this scenario, requiring effective responses from epidemiological surveillance and the health system. This systematic review, based on 17 selected articles, analyzes emerging diseases in Brazil, their determinants, impacts, and implications for public health. The studies analyzed show that Brazil simultaneously faces emerging diseases, such as recently identified viral infections or those expanding geographically, and re-emerging diseases, such as tuberculosis, leprosy, dengue fever, and syphilis. It is observed that the persistence of these diseases is strongly associated with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, poor sanitation, difficulties in accessing health services, and limitations in epidemiological surveillance. Another relevant aspect refers to the influence of climatic and environmental changes, which favor the proliferation of vectors and expand risk areas, especially for arboviruses. Intense population mobility and accelerated urbanization also contribute to the spread of these diseases. Furthermore, failures in notification, underdiagnosis, and weaknesses in the integration between levels of care hinder the early identification of cases and the implementation of timely control measures, increasing the potential for outbreaks and epidemics. It is concluded that emerging and re-emerging diseases represent a persistent and complex problem in the Brazilian context, demanding coordinated actions between epidemiological surveillance, healthcare, and intersectoral public policies. Strengthening information systems, expanding access to diagnosis, investing in prevention, and reducing social inequalities are fundamental strategies for addressing these health problems. Continuous surveillance and rapid response are essential to minimize impacts and protect the health of the population.